MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

Chris Marinucci named head coach at Grand Rapids

The former Hobey Baker Award winner had been an assistant under Trent Klatt, who stepped down earlier this year.

Chris Marinucci, a former Hobey Baker Award winner, has been named head coach of the Grand Rapids boys’ hockey team, Independent School District 318 announced Wednesday.

Marinucci, 45, an assistant coach at Grand Rapids since 2015, replaces Trent Klatt, who resigned earlier this year after leading the team to the Class 2A state championship in March.

Marinucci played for Grand Rapids in high school and Minnesota Duluth in college. He was named the 1994 Hobey Baker Award winner, given to the NCAA player who best “exhibits strength of character both on and off the ice.’’ He was a member of the 1997 USA world championship team.

Grand Rapids High School Activities Director Anne Campbell acknowledged Marinucci’s history with the school’s program in a statement posted on the district’s website. She lauded his “great playing career not only at GRHS but through college and professionally. We’re looking forward to Chris continuing the rich tradition of Grand Rapids Hockey.”

Marinucci said in the statement, “I think the program is on the right track, and I’m excited to be the head coach and continue that growth.”

When Klatt, a former Gopher and NHL player, stepped down, he said he was returning to the University of Minnesota to pursue his degree. He coached the team for two seasons, leading it to a third-place finish in 2016. He subsequently resigned but reconsidered and stayed on for a second season.